Console

ABSTRACT

A vehicle passenger is provided with a console ( 1 ) for mounting an entertainment apparatus, the console being coupled to the back of a more forwardly located seat by headrest retaining clips ( 7 ) of the kind adapted to hold posts of a height adjustable headrest ( 6 ) for the seat at a height selected position. In one arrangement, the console is sandwiched between the headrest retaining clips and the top of the seat back. In an alternative arrangement, the console incorporates integral headrest retaining clips that replace the conventional headrest retaining clips.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to the provision of entertainment for rear seatpassengers in a vehicle.

There have been numerous prior proposals for mounting audio/visualapparatus in or from the back of, or between, the front seats of avehicle so that passengers in the rear seats may listen to, watch, orinteract with such equipment.

Provision of such equipment fitted into the back of the front seats ormounted in the roof generally requires fitting as original equipment.Moreover, the equipment is immediately visible from outside the vehicle,inviting breaking, entering, damage and theft.

With a view to overcoming these problems there have also been a numberof suggestions to hang audio/visual apparatus over the top of the frontseat or from the front seat headrest or headrest posts by means ofstraps, brackets or clamps. With many such arrangements, theaudio/visual equipment is either not mounted in a stable position or, ifclamped or otherwise fitted to the headrest posts, gets in the way of ormoves with the headrest posts as the headrest is raised or lowered. Theaudio/visual equipment itself or its hanging or fixings are usuallyreadily visible from outside the vehicle, again attracting breaking,entering, damage and theft when the vehicle is left unattended.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is concerned with a novel approach to themounting of audio/visual entertainment equipment. Preferred embodimentshave the advantage not only that the equipment is stably mounted, butalso allow the apparatus to be readily detached from a relativelyinconspicuous console to be carried away from the vehicle by thepassengers when the vehicle has been parked or to be stored within alockable compartment within the vehicle when the vehicle is stationaryso as not to be visible from outside the vehicle. The fixing system doesnot interfere with normal raising or lowering of the headrest.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method isprovided for mounting a console, the console being adapted for mountingentertainment apparatus thereto for use by a vehicle passenger seatedbehind a more forward seat of the vehicle which seat is fitted with aheight adjustable headrest mounted on posts receivable in sockets formedin a top surface of the said seat and associated with respectiveheadrest retaining clips receivable in the respective said sockets andadapted to lock the said posts in the said sockets when the height ofthe headrest has been selected; the method comprising providing theconsole with a pair of openings through which the said posts may extendand sandwiching the console between the top surface of the said seat andportions of the said headrest retaining clips.

According to an alternative aspect of this disclosure, apparatus isprovided comprising a console adapted for mounting entertainmentapparatus for use by a vehicle passenger seated behind a more forwardseat of the vehicle which seat is fitted with a height adjustableheadrest of the kind mounted on posts receivable in sockets formed in atop surface of a said seat and associated with respective individualheadrest retaining clips receivable in the respective said sockets andadapted to lock the said posts in the said sockets when the height ofthe headrest has been selected; the console having a pair of openingsthrough which the said posts may extend, and the console incorporatingrespective headrest retaining clips integral with the console andreceivable in the respective said sockets in place of said individualheadrest retaining clips and being adapted both to lock the said postswithin the said sockets and to lock the console in position.

In a third alternative aspect of this disclosure, there is providedapparatus comprising a vehicle seat provided with a console mountingentertainment apparatus for use by a vehicle passenger seated behind thesaid seat, the said seat being fitted with a height adjustable headrestmounted on posts receivable in sockets formed in a top surface of thesaid seat and associated with respective headrest retaining clipsreceivable in the respective said sockets and adapted to lock the saidposts in the said sockets when the height of the headrest has beenselected; the console being provided with a pair of openings throughwhich the said posts may extend and being sandwiched between the topsurface of the said seat and portions of the said headrest retainingclips.

According to a fourth alternative aspect of this disclosure, apparatusis provided comprising a vehicle seat provided with a console mountingentertainment apparatus for use by a vehicle passenger seated behind thesaid seat, the said seat being fitted with a height adjustable headrestof the kind mounted on posts receivable in sockets formed in a topsurface of a said seat and associated with respective individualheadrest retaining clips receivable in the respective said sockets andadapted to lock the said posts in the said sockets when the height ofthe headrest has been selected; the console having a pair of openingsthrough which the said posts extend, and the console incorporatingrespective headrest retaining clips integral with the console andreceivable in the respective said sockets in place of said individualheadrest retaining clips and being adapted both to lock the said postswithin the said sockets and to lock the console in position.

In accordance with a fifth alternative aspect of this disclosure, thereis provided a vehicle in which a rear passenger, namely a passengerseated in a seat confronting the back of a more forwardly located seat,is provided with a console for mounting an entertainment apparatus, theconsole being coupled to the back of said more forwardly located seat byheadrest retaining clips of the kind adapted to hold posts of a heightadjustable headrest for said seat at a height selected position.

In all of these alternative arrangements, the headrest is still capableof being raised and lowered in conventional fashion by releasing theheadrest retaining clips and moving the posts up or down.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A number of embodiments are described in more detail hereinbelow withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of console foran audio/visual apparatus mounted in position on a vehicle seat back;

FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of FIG. 1 in an exploded perspective view;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view showing how the headrest, console andportions of the vehicle seat co-operate for the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the console illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating how an embodiment ofaudio/visual apparatus co-operates with a console in the embodiments ofFIG. 2 or 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the audio/visual apparatus shown in FIG.6 from the opposite side;

FIG. 8 shows the audio/visual apparatus being offered up to a console;

FIG. 9 is a somewhat schematic perspective view illustrating a firstmode of electrical interconnection between the audio/visual apparatusand the console;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 for a second alternative mode ofinterconnection;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIGS. 9 and 10 for a third alternative modeof interconnection;

FIGS. 12 a, 12 b and 12 c are schematic views showing internal structurewithin a coupling member of an audio/visual apparatus showing how itcooperates with a console;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a console and rear fitting for anaudio/visual apparatus in an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the console of FIG. 13 and rearfitting of FIG. 13 shown fitted to an audio/visual apparatus;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 with the parts coupled together;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of console;

FIGS. 17 a to 17 d schematically illustrate successive stages ininterconnection of a coupling structure associated with an audio/visualapparatus with the console of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofconsole/bracket;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the console/bracket of FIG. 18fitted to an audio/visual apparatus;

FIG. 20 a perspective view of a console;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the console of FIG. 20 taken along theline XXI-XXI, illustrating a coupling member being offered up to itsslot;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 at a subsequent stage in offeringup the coupling member.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of console;and

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the console of FIG. 23.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, a console1 is mounted to the top 2 of a seat back 3 of a front seat of a vehicle.Wiring 4 hidden within the seat back 3 provides power to the console 1.As can be seen from FIG. 1, console 1 is mounted about posts 5 for aheadrest 6, the height of which is adjustable.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In conventional fashion, headrest 6 has associated headrest retainingclips 7 which serve to lock the position of its posts 5 withincorresponding sockets 8 (see FIG. 2) formed in the seat top 2. Theheadrest 6 is adjustable in height above the seat top 2, the headrestretaining clips 7 including respective lock release buttons 9 which,when pressed, allow the post to be raised or lowered and, when released,lock the post in position.

The present disclosure contemplates two basic alternative structureswhich essentially rely upon the same concept. In the FIG. 2 arrangement,console 1 is effectively sandwiched between headrest retaining clips 7and top 2 of the seat back 3. In the FIG. 3 arrangement, the respectiveheadrest retaining clips are incorporated into the structure of theconsole itself. In either case, the headrest clips function inconventional fashion, as illustrated below in FIGS. 4 and 5 for the FIG.3 embodiment.

With the FIG. 2 arrangement, wiring (not shown) may be provided for itspower supply through the seat back. The headrest is removed and theconsole 1, which has through openings 10, is positioned so that shafts11 of the respective conventional headrest clips 7 provided as anelement of the seat may be inserted through the through openings 10 andinto the sockets 8. The posts 5 are then inserted into sockets 8 throughshafts 11 in conventional fashion.

In the alternative arrangement of FIG. 3, the original headrest clipsare discarded and headrest clips 7 a, formed as an integral component ofthe console 1, but otherwise identical to headrest clips 7, are usedinstead and serve the identical purpose.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show in more detail how the headrest clips (in this caseintegrated into the console 1) serve to anchor both the console and theheadrest posts in sockets within the seat back. For convenience andeconomy of drawing, the detailed structure is illustrated in theseFigures for one only of the headrest posts 5. It should be understoodthat in general the same details will be repeated for the other headrestpost.

Hollow sockets 8 are fixedly mounted to internal support structure 12within a seat back. The headrest clips 7 a incorporated into console 1in this embodiment include integral shafts 11 which are of hollowtubular form, as indicated by the dotted lines shown in FIG. 4, to allowreception of headrest posts 5 therethrough. Externally, shafts 11 areprovided with barbs or “sharkfin” shaped locking members 13 adapted toco-operate with detents or apertures 14 within sockets 8 to hold theconsole in place within the sockets 8. Headrest posts 5 may then beinserted into the tubular shafts 11. In order to allow this, respectivelock release buttons 9 must be pressed. These buttons are biasedoutwardly by springs 15, and have a central opening 16, an edge 17 ofwhich occludes through opening 18 provided in shaft 11 for the post 5unless lock release button 9 is pressed. With shafts 11 inserted intosockets 8 and lock release button 9 pressed, the corresponding headrestpost 5 may be inserted into the through opening 18. Release of lockrelease button 9 causes edge 17 to engage with one of a series ofcut-outs 19 formed in the side of the respective post 5 locking thewhole arrangement in place. The height of headrest 6 can still readilybe adjusted by pressing the lock release buttons 9 and moving theheadrest up or down, but meanwhile console 1 is held in place on the topof the seat back and, as can be seen from FIG. 1 is relativelyinconspicuous.

The details of the headrest clip and of its co-operation with the seatback socket 8 and with the headrest post 5, as described and illustratedabove is conventional. This conventional structure is integrated intothe structure of the console in the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 4and 5. The conventional headrest clips would be employed in theembodiment of FIG. 2. Having withdrawn the headrest posts from throughopenings 18 in shafts 11, the headrest clips 7 (FIG. 2 embodiment) maybe removed to insert or release console 1 by pressing on the sides ofshaft 11 to release barbs 13 from detents or apertures 14 in sockets 8.Similarly, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the console with itsintegral headrest clips 7 a is released from sockets 8 by squeezing thesides of shafts 11 to release barbs 13 from detents 14.

Having fitted a console to the seat back either sandwiched betweenheadrest clips and the seat top or by employing headrest clips integralwith the console, an audio/visual apparatus 20 (see FIGS. 6, 7 and 8)may now be fitted to console 1. In the arrangement illustrated in theseFigures, audio/visual apparatus 20 incorporates a hingedly mountedcoupling member 21 adapted to be received within a correspondinglyshaped slot 22 provided in the console 1. Distal end 23 of couplingmember 21 and an internal rear wall 24 (FIGS. 9, 10 and 11) of the slot22 have interfitting connections. These may take various forms asexplained in more detail below. FIG. 6 shows multiple sockets 25 adaptedto interfit with multiple pins 26 (FIGS. 9 and 12 a to 12 c).

Audio/visual apparatus 20 incorporates a screen 27, suitably a LCD paneldisplay within a casing 28, which may also include a DVD loader slot 29,a USB socket 30, an AV output socket 31 for playing to an externalmonitor, a headphone socket 32, an AV input socket 33 for playing froman external source, and a DC input socket 34 allowing the apparatus tobe powered from a suitable source of direct current, such as a batterypowerpack or from the cigar lighter sockets in a vehicle, if wiringthrough the seat back is not provided, or when the audio/visualapparatus 20 is removed from console 1 for use elsewhere. Casing 28 alsohas a series of control buttons 35. In preferred embodiments, it mayalso have a lens or lenses 36 for infra-red audio transmission toheadphones that may be linked to the apparatus by infra-red, aninfra-red remote receiver for remote control of functions of apparatus20, and a light dependent resistor for auto dimming of backlight inapparatus depending on ambient light level. Additional sockets may beprovided for an aerial connection, if not provided through the seat backwiring, and for coupling of one or more games controllers to theapparatus 20. The angle of screen 27 may be adjusted for best visibilityby a user by pivoting casing 28 relative to coupling member 21, asindicated by arrows 37 in FIG. 8.

A suitable DVD loader is available under the designation RL-C500 fromRaymedia Co Ltd and a nominal 7″ LCD panel suitably sized for seatbackentertainment apparatus is available under the designation PW070XS1 fromPVI Optronics.

It will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in this field thatmany different configurations for the audio/visual entertainment unit 20will be feasible such as: an LCD screen with integrated DVD, an LCDscreen with integrated hard disc drive (HDD) player for exampleavailable from USB Gear Ltd under the designation USBG-AIVX, an LCDscreen alone for use with external sources, an LCD screen withintegrated TV tuner (for example that available from Pioneer under thetrade designation GEX-500DVB), an LCD screen with integrated multiplememory card reader, an LCD screen with integrated GSM card reader, anLCD screen with integrated GPS receiver, and an LCD screen withintegrated wireless LAN receiver. Depending on space andminiaturisation, various combinations of the above would be feasible anddepending upon the particular combinations sought, an appropriateprinted circuit board (PCB) to run the system could readily be provided.

We have found that the multiple pin and socket arrangement of FIGS. 6, 9and 12 a to 12 c works well. A typical pin configuration would be:

-   -   1. Power +12 Volts    -   2. Ground    -   3. Video signal    -   4. Video ground    -   5. Audio left    -   6. Audio right    -   7. Audio ground    -   8. Inverse status (provides a signal to automatically switch        orientation of the picture when audio/visual apparatus 20 is        presented to slot 22 upside-down)

However, other arrangements are also feasible as illustratedschematically in FIGS. 10, 11 and 13 to 17. Thus, in FIG. 11, themultiple pin and socket connectors are replaced by co-operating HDMIconnectors 38 and 39. In another alternative shown in FIG. 11,respective 3.5 mm jack plugs 40 and sockets 41 may be provided, togetherwith a centrally mounted DC jack 42 and socket 43.

Turning now to FIGS. 12 a, 12 b and 12 c which illustrate for themultiple pin and socket arrangement how the coupling member 21associated with the audio/visual apparatus 20 and slot 22 in console 1co-operate to hold the apparatus 20 releasably but firmly in position.

Side walls 44 of slot 22 have detents or locking apertures 45 adaptedfor receiving spring loaded locking clips 46 in side edges 47 ofcoupling member 21. Within each said side edge 47 is mounted an elongatetongue 48 formed with a finger press portion 49 and a said locking clip46, the finger press portion and the locking clip extending outwardly ofside edge 47 through respective openings therein, being biased outwardlyby a spring 50. As the distal end 23 of coupling member 21 is offered up(FIG. 12 a) to slot 22, a ramp edge 51 of each locking clip 46 cams overthe edge of slot 22 until the respective detent 45 is reached at whichpoint spring 50 pushes tongue 48 outwardly to lock clip 46 with detent45. At the same time the respective multiple sockets 25 in the distalend 23 of coupling member 21 mate with the corresponding multiple pins26 in internal rear wall 24 of slot 22 (FIG. 12 b). In order to releasecoupling member 21 from slot 22 (and thus the audio/visual apparatus 20as a whole from console 1), pressure is applied to finger press portions49, as indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 12 c, against the bias ofsprings 50 to release clips 46 from detents 45, whereupon the couplingmember 21 may be withdrawn from slot 22. It will be understood thatsimilar spring loaded locking clips and detents may be provided in thearrangements of FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate an alternative approach to coupling between anaudio/visual apparatus 20 and console 1. In this arrangementaudio/visual apparatus 20 has a rear member 52 including a cylindricalmember 53 which is adapted to fit into a corresponding socket 54provided in a rearwardly extending boss 55 on console 1. One ofcylindrical member 53 and socket 54 is provided with pins and the otheris provided with sockets so that a multiple pin and socket arrangement55 provides for electrical interconnection. In the preferred arrangementfor this embodiment, the pins and sockets are adapted forinterconnection in only one orientation. To allow for adjustment in theangular position of the audio/visual apparatus 20, cylindrical member 53may be connected to the remainder of rear member by a rotatable joint 56coaxial with cylindrical member 53.

Yet another approach to interconnection between audio/visual apparatus20 and console 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 a to 17 d. In thisembodiment, console 1, rather than having a housing defining a slot 22for receipt of a coupling member 21 adapted to fit within the slot, asin the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 12, has a generally mushroom shapedcoupling structure 57 on its upper surface 58 adapted for coupling witha co-operating coupling structure 59 associated with the audio/visualapparatus 20. Mushroom structure 57 effectively comprises a domed head60 with overhangs 61 and 62 on its opposite sides. Overhang 61 defines aslot 63 between the overhang and confronting surface 64 of the remainderof the console. Similarly, overhang 62 effectively defines a slot 65between the overhang and the confronting surface 66 of the remainder ofthe console. The undersurface of overhang 61 includes a plurality ofelectrical contacts 67 (FIG. 17 a). Coupling structure 59 associatedwith the remainder of the audio/visual apparatus (not shown in theseFigures) includes a hinge 68 providing the connection to theaudio/visual apparatus, a plate 69 and a hook shaped member 70possessing a degree of flexibility and being slidably coupled to theplate 69. Hook member 70 includes a curved portion 71, generallycorresponding in shape and extent with the external shape of domed head60, and a return hooked portion 72 at its end. In order to couplestructure 59 to the mushroom coupling structure 57, hook member 70 isplaced over the domed head 60 and return hooked portion 72 is hookedunder overhang 61. The thickness of return hooked portion 72 is chosenso that it forms a tight fit within slot 63 so that a plurality ofcontacts 73 formed on the surface of the return hooked portion 72 makeelectrical connection with the respective contacts 67 on the undersideof overhang 61. With member 70 hooked over domed head 60, the plate 69is slidably moved relative to hook member 70 so that its end portion 74is received in slot 65. The thickness of plate 69 is chosen so thatplate 69 forms a tight fit within slot 65. In this configuration (FIG.17 c), the audio/visual apparatus hingedly connected to hinge 68 issufficiently rigidly held in place. The audio/visual apparatus mayreadily be disconnected from this embodiment of console illustrated inFIGS. 16 and 17 a to 17 d by slidably withdrawing plate 69 from slot 65(FIG. 17 c) and then pushing plate 69 upwardly (as shown by the arrow inFIG. 17 d) and over domed head 60 to disengage return hooked portion 72of hook member 70 from its slot 63.

While very much less preferred, as it may leave the audio/visualapparatus 20 exposed for view in a vehicle, inviting breaking, entering,damage and theft thereof when the vehicle is unoccupied, theaudio/visual apparatus 20 may be permanently connected to console 1which then effectively acts as a bracket. This arrangement isillustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. Here console/bracket 1 comprises agenerally flat-topped member 75 with the through openings 10 for theheadrest posts and an upstanding flange 76 apertured at 77 for fixingmembers such as screws for coupling flange 76 to back 77 of audio/visualapparatus 20. It will be understood that this console/bracket 1, as withthe all of the embodiments described above is reliably mounted inposition by the conventional headrest clips that serve to hold theheadrest at the desired height, or in the alternative variation byheadrest clips integrated into console/bracket 1 itself.

The embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 19 has no provision for electricalconnection via the console/bracket 1 to the audio/visual apparatus 20.Instead, that apparatus must be powered via a power input such as DCinput 32 (FIG. 34) from the vehicle cigar lighter socket or a similarpower supply.

Where desired, the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 may be adapted toprovide permanent fitting of an audio/visual apparatus 20 to a console1. The audio/visual apparatus 20 may have its coupling memberpermanently bonded into slot 22. Other arrangements for permanent fixingan audio/visual apparatus to a console or for integrating such apparatuswith a console will readily suggest themselves to a person of ordinaryskills, all, however, utilising the conventional headrest retainingclips or incorporating headrest retaining clips into the console itself,in the manner described above.

Of all the coupling arrangements described and illustrated herein, ourpreferred arrangement at the date of filing this Application, is the useof a console 1 that includes a housing 78 providing a slot 22 forreceipt of a coupling member 21 associated with the audio/visualapparatus 20 and with electrical connection being provided betweenco-operating couplings at distal end 23 of coupling member 21 and in theinternal rear wall 24 of slot 22. In the preferred arrangement, slot 22is provided with a protective door 79, as shown in FIGS. 20, 21 and 22.Door 79 is hingedly connected to housing 78 of console 1 along upperedge 80 of slot 22 at its mouth, so that gravity (with optionalassistance of a spring—not shown) causes door 78 to hang across the openmouth of slot 22 to prevent entry of foreign matter. As the distal end23 of coupling member 21 is offered up to the mouth of slot 22 (FIG.21), door 79 is pushed out of the way, against the bias of its spring ifprovided, and into a recess 81 in upper surface 82 of slot 22 adjacentedge 80, as shown in FIG. 22.

In all the embodiments illustrated above in which console 1 has throughopenings 10, in order to fit the console, the headrest 6 and headrestclips 7 must be completely removed from the seat back, the console thenbeing positioned, the shafts 11 of the headrest clips inserted throughopenings 10 and into sockets 8. Only then may the headrest posts bereplaced. The arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24 avoids the needfor this. As can be seen from these Figures, console 1 is here shown asformed in three portions, namely a main portion 83 and two auxiliaryportions 84 and 85 which are detachably coupled to the main portion bythreaded members 86 here shown with a head 87 formed with an hexagonalrecess for receipt of an Allen key in order to tighten or untighten thethreaded member 86. The main portion 83 and/or the auxiliary portions 84and 85 are notched, as best shown at 88 in FIG. 24, to define cut-outs.As can be seen from FIG. 23, the respective cut-outs mate in effect todefine the through openings 10. Thus, the embodiment of console 1 shownin FIGS. 23 and 24 may be fitted to a vehicle seat without firstremoving the headrest and headrest clips. The headrest and therespective headrest clips first need to be raised. Main portion 83 isslid into place between the raised headrest clips and the top of theseat back. Auxiliary portions 84 are then coupled to main portion 83 bythe threaded members 86 so that the console 1 effectively embraces eachof the headrest posts 5. The height of the headrest is then adjusted andheadrest clips lowered and then locked to the headrest posts so as tosandwich console 1 between the headrest clips and the seat top.

In an alternative arrangement, the console may effectively be built intothe seat during manufacture.

Referring again to FIG. 4, sockets 8 are fixedly mounted to internalseat support structure 12, for example by welding. Then, either beforeor during the application of the padding, upholstery, etc to build upthe complete seat back, console 1 is fitted to sockets 8 by insertingshafts 11 therein until the barbs 13 locate in detents or apertures 14to fix the console to the sockets 8, and thus to the internal seatstructure 12. The console, apart from the headrest clip portions thereofand the slot 22, may then be covered in the seat padding and upholstery.In FIG. 4, the console 1 is shown with a central raised portion in whichthe slot is located. To make it easier to incorporate the console intothe seat material, as described above, the geometry of the centralportion of the console may be reversed, with a bulged portion in whichthe slot is located being below the level of the headrest clips ratherthan above, as shown in FIG. 4.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A method for mounting a console, the console beingadapted for mounting an entertainment apparatus thereto for use by avehicle passenger seated behind a more forward seat of the vehicle,wherein the more forward seat is fitted with a height adjustableheadrest mounted on posts receivable in sockets formed in a top surfaceof the more forward seat and associated with respective headrestretaining clips receivable in the sockets, respectively, and adapted tolock the posts in the sockets when the height of the headrest has beenselected, the method comprising: providing the console with a pair ofopenings through which the posts may extend; and sandwiching the consolebetween the top surface of the more forward seat and portions of theheadrest retaining clips.
 21. The method according to claim 20, whereinthe console is mounted to the more forward seat without removing theheadrest, the method further comprising releasing the headrest retainingclips sufficiently for the headrest to be raised and for the headrestretaining clips to be raised sufficiently for a console to be slippedbetween the headrest retaining clips and the top surface of the seat,the console being formed with a main portion and two auxiliary portions,each auxiliary portion arranged to be coupled to the main portion toembrace a seat post, surfaces of the main portion and the auxiliaryportion being shaped to define an opening when an auxiliary portion iscoupled to the main portion.
 22. The method according to claim 20,wherein the console serves as a bracket, the entertainment apparatusbeing permanently coupled to the console.
 23. An apparatus comprising: aconsole adapted for mounting an entertainment apparatus for use by avehicle passenger seated behind a more forward seat of the vehicle,wherein the more forward seat is fitted with a height adjustableheadrest mounted on posts receivable in sockets formed in a top surfaceof the more forward seat, the console having a pair of openings throughwhich the posts may extend, and the console incorporating respectiveheadrest retaining clips integral with the console and receivable in thesockets, respectively, and being adapted to lock the posts within thesockets and to lock the console in position.
 24. The apparatus accordingto claim 23, wherein the respective headrest retaining clips comprise:respective tubular shafts open to the openings and depending from anunderside of the console, the shafts having barbs on their externalsurface and being spaced from each other to allow the shafts to bereceived in the sockets; respective lock members each biased topartially occlude an opening and adapted to engage with a cut-out in theside of a post to lock the post in the opening; and respective lockrelease buttons each adapted for manual release of a lock member againstthe bias of the lock member.
 25. An apparatus comprising: a vehicle seatprovided with a console mounting an entertainment apparatus for use by avehicle passenger seated behind the seat, the seat being fitted with aheight adjustable headrest mounted on posts receivable in sockets formedin a top surface of the seat and associated with respective headrestretaining clips receivable in the sockets, respectively, and adapted tolock the posts in the sockets when the height of the headrest has beenselected, the console being provided with a pair of openings throughwhich the posts may extend and being sandwiched between the top surfaceof the seat and portions of the headrest retaining clips.
 26. Theapparatus according to claim 25, wherein the headrest retaining clipscomprise: respective tubular shafts received in the sockets and havingbarbs on their external surfaces, the posts extending through theshafts; respective lock members each biased to partially occlude a shaftand engage with a cut-out in the side of a post to lock the post in anopening; and respective lock release buttons each adapted for manualrelease of a lock member against the bias of the lock member.
 27. Theapparatus according to claim 25, wherein the console serves as abracket, the entertainment apparatus being permanently coupled to theconsole.
 28. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein: the consolecomprises a slot, and the entertainment apparatus comprises a couplingmember slidably receivable in the slot for support of the entertainmentapparatus from the console, an internal end wall of the slot and adistal end of the coupling member having interfitting electricalconnections for connection of the entertainment apparatus via theconnections and through the seat to an electrical system of the vehicle.29. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein: the console comprisesa substantially cylindrical socket, and the entertainment membercomprises a rear member slidably receivable in the socket, one of thesocket and rear member being provided with pins, and the other withcooperating sockets, thereby providing electrical connection between theentertainment apparatus and an electric system of the vehicle via thecooperating pins and sockets and through the seat.
 30. The apparatusaccording to claim 25, wherein: the console is provided with a couplingstructure comprising a domed head with overhangs on opposite sidesthereof; and the entertainment apparatus is provided with a cooperatingcoupling member adapted to hook over the coupling structure, cooperatingsurfaces of the overhang and of the coupling member being provided withcooperating electrical connections for electrical connection between theentertainment apparatus and an electric system of the vehicle via thecooperating electrical connections and through the seat.
 31. Anapparatus comprising: a vehicle seat provided with a console mounting anentertainment apparatus for use by a vehicle passenger seated behind theseat, the seat being fitted with a height adjustable headrest mounted onposts receivable in sockets formed in a top surface of the seat, theconsole having a pair of openings through which the posts extend, andthe console incorporating respective headrest retaining clips integralwith the console and receivable in the sockets, respectively, and beingadapted to lock the posts within the sockets and to lock the console inposition.
 32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the headrestretaining clips comprise: respective tubular shafts received in thesockets and having barbs on their external surfaces, the posts extendingthrough the shafts, respective lock members each biased to partiallyocclude a shaft and engage with a cut-out in the side of a post to lockthe post in an opening, and respective lock release buttons each adaptedfor manual release of a lock member against the bias of the lock member.33. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the console serves as abracket, the entertainment apparatus being permanently coupled to theconsole.
 34. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein: the consolecomprises a slot, and the entertainment apparatus comprises a couplingmember slidably receivable in the slot for support of the entertainmentapparatus from the console, an internal end wall of the slot and adistal end of the coupling member having interfitting electricalconnections for connection of the entertainment apparatus via theconnections and through the seat to an electrical system of the vehicle.35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the interfittingelectrical connections comprise at least one of multiple pin and socketconnectors, HDMI connectors, and jack plugs.
 36. The apparatus accordingto claim 34, wherein the coupling member is hingedly connected to theremainder of the entertainment apparatus, thereby allowing the angle ofthe entertainment apparatus to be adjusted when the entertainmentapparatus is mounted on the console, and allowing the coupling member tobe pivoted out of the way when the entertainment apparatus is removedfrom the console.
 37. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein themouth of the slot has a spring-loaded door to resist entry of foreignmatter, the door being pivoted out of the way as the coupling member isslid into the slot.
 38. The apparatus according to claim 34, whereininternal side walls of the slot have detents therein, and wherein sideedges of the coupling member are provided with manually releasablespring loaded clips adapted to cooperate with the detents to hold aninserted coupling member within the slot.
 39. The apparatus according toclaim 31, wherein: the console comprises a substantially cylindricalsocket, and the entertainment member comprises a rear member slidablyreceivable in the socket, one of the socket and rear member beingprovided with pins, and the other with cooperating sockets, therebyproviding electrical connection between the entertainment apparatus andan electric system of the vehicle via the cooperating pins and socketsand through the seat.
 40. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein:the console is provided with a coupling structure comprising a domedhead with overhangs on opposite sides thereof; and the entertainmentapparatus is provided with a cooperating coupling member adapted to hookover the coupling structure, cooperating surfaces of the overhang and ofthe coupling member being provided with cooperating electricalconnections for electrical connection between the entertainmentapparatus and an electric system of the vehicle via the cooperatingelectrical connections and through the seat.
 41. A vehicle, in which arear passenger seated in a seat confronting the back of a more forwardlylocated seat, is provided with a console for mounting an entertainmentapparatus, the console being coupled to the back of the more forwardlylocated seat by headrest retaining clips adapted to hold posts of aheight adjustable headrest for the seat at a selected height position.42. The vehicle according to claim 41, wherein the console is sandwichedbetween the headrest retaining clips and the top of the seat back. 43.The vehicle according to claim 41, wherein the console comprises theheadrest retaining clips integral therewith.
 44. The vehicle accordingto claim 43, wherein the console is incorporated into the seat back, theintegral headrest retaining clips comprising: respective tubular shaftslockingly received in sockets forming part of an internal structure ofthe seat back, the posts extending through the shafts, respective lockmembers each biased to partially occlude a shaft and engage with acut-out in the side of a post to lock the post in a shaft, andrespective lock release buttons each adapted for manual release of alock member against the bias of the lock member, and the seat padding orupholstery partially covering parts of the console other than the lockmembers.